Driving alongside semi-trucks on the highway can feel nerve-wracking at the best of times. Now, imagine a situation where one loses control. The trailer swings out like a closing pocketknife, cutting across lanes and causing chaos. This is called a jackknife accident and is as dangerous as it sounds. These kinds of crashes can lead to devastating injuries, particularly for those in smaller vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident in Kansas City, MO, understanding how these incidents happen and who’s liable can make all the difference. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your future.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a semi-truck trailer swings out at an acute angle, resembling the shape of a folding knife. This typically means the truck driver has lost control, and the trailer skids sideways, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
These accidents are particularly dangerous because they create an unpredictable hazard on the roadway. Smaller vehicles caught in the path of a jackknifing truck often suffer severe damage, leaving passengers at risk for life-altering injuries.
What Causes a Big Rig to Jackknife?
Jackknife accidents are complex and often result from a combination of factors. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Braking Mistakes
Semi-trucks carry incredible weight, making braking more complicated than in smaller cars. If a driver brakes too hard or unevenly, the trailer’s momentum can cause it to swing out of alignment with the cab. This is especially common on wet or icy roads.
2. Speeding
Big rigs are harder to control at high speeds. When drivers travel too fast for the conditions or exceed the speed limit, they are more likely to lose control during sudden stops or turns.
3. Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to long hours behind the wheel. Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making, increasing the risk of braking errors or other misjudgments that lead to jackknifing.
4. Improperly Loaded Cargo
Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, making the truck unstable. This can cause the trailer to swing out of control, especially during sudden braking or sharp turns.
5. Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, snow, or icy highways reduce traction, making it harder for trucks to stay under control. Slippery conditions combined with a heavy load can quickly result in a jackknife incident.
6. Mechanical Failures
Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can all lead to a loss of control. If the truck’s equipment is not adequately maintained, everyone on the road is at risk.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Accident?
Determining liability in a jackknife accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility. If you’ve been injured in such a crash in Kansas City, MO, it’s critical to understand who might be held accountable. Here are the common entities that could bear liability:
1. The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are often at fault for negligence, such as speeding, driving recklessly, or failing to adjust for road conditions. Distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment can also cause a jackknife crash.
2. The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are required to properly train and supervise their drivers. If a company hires an inexperienced or unqualified driver or pressures drivers to meet unsafe deadlines, it may be held liable. Additionally, companies must ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and inspected. Failing to uphold these responsibilities can point to negligence.
3. Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo creates an unsafe imbalance in the truck, making jackknifing more likely. The individuals or companies responsible for loading the cargo may share liability if this error contributed to the accident.
4. Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or defective tires, can lead to jackknife situations. When defective parts are to blame, the manufacturer or company responsible for the equipment may be held accountable for the damages.
5. Third-Party Drivers
Sometimes, other vehicles can cause a truck to jackknife. For example, another driver cutting off the semi-truck or suddenly slamming on their brakes could force the truck driver to react quickly, leading to a loss of control. If the actions of a third party triggered an accident, they could also bear some responsibility.
How to Prove Negligence in a Jackknife Accident
You need to prove that negligence caused the crash to receive compensation after a jackknife accident. This requires gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Black box data from the truck (which records speed, braking, and other key metrics)
- Maintenance and inspection records for the truck
- Driver logs to determine if the trucker was overworked or under-rested
Working with an experienced attorney can build a strong case to hold the right parties accountable and recover the damages you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife crashes often cause widespread damage and serious injuries. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The compensation you can seek may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Home modifications (such as wheelchairs or ramps)
Dealing with the aftermath of such an accident is overwhelming, but pursuing compensation can ease some of the financial strain and help you focus on recovery.
Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Truck accident cases can be incredibly complex, often involving multiple parties and large trucking companies with aggressive legal teams. If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the crash to identify all liable parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing legal teams
- Ensure you get the full compensation you deserve
Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you five years to file a personal injury claim, but time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, and delays can weaken your case.